Why Kuldeep Yadav missed 2nd Test against Sri Lanka
What's the story
Captain Shubman Gill confirmed that spinner Kuldeep Yadav was excluded from India's Playing XI in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka due to an infection. The match is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India won the toss and opted to bat first, with Saransh Jain making his international debut in place of Kuldeep.
Official statement
Kuldeep can be a concussion substitute: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also confirmed Kuldeep's unavailability for selection in the Playing XI for the match.
The board said that he has not fully recovered from his viral illness and is unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka.
However, they added that he can take the field as a concussion substitute if required.
Twitter Post
Update on Kuldeep
UPDATE: Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 23, 2026
He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka.
However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required. #TeamIndia | #SLvIND
Captain's remarks
Gill on Kuldeep's absence
After winning the toss, Gill confirmed that an infection had ruled out the left-arm spinner.
He said, "Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India."
The Indian captain also shared his thoughts on the pitch conditions in Colombo as compared to Galle, where India won the first Test by 165 runs.
Pitch analysis
Gill on pitch conditions in Colombo
Gill said, "Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle."
He added that he expects the same conditions but thinks it will be a good wicket to bat on for the first two or three days.
Gill also rated India's performance in the first Test highly but admitted there was still room for improvement.
Information
India's Playing XI
India's Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
Career
Kuldeep's limited Test appearances
According to Cricbuzz, Kuldeep's 19 Test appearances have come across 13 different series, including the recent one-off Test against Afghanistan.
He has played two or more Tests in a series only four times.
Kuldeep often loses his spot in the Playing XI due to the combination. In 36 Test innings, the left-arm wrist-spinner has taken 80 wickets at an average of 23.36.